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Prop Design Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$124K - $153K/yr

E50 PROP AND REAC ENG PLNG YRD Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this ... Supports and participates in the design, test, modification, fabrication and assembly of prototype ...

E50 PROP AND REAC ENG PLNG YRD Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this ... Supports and participates in the design, test, modification, fabrication and assembly of prototype ...

E50 PROP AND REAC ENG PLNG YRD Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this ... Supports and participates in the design, test, modification, fabrication and assembly of prototype ...

$99K - $122K/yr

E50 PROP AND REAC ENG PLNG YRD Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this ... Supports and participates in the design, test, modification, fabrication and assembly of prototype ...

$99K - $122K/yr

E50 PROP AND REAC ENG PLNG YRD Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding US Citizenship Required for this ... Supports and participates in the design, test, modification, fabrication and assembly of prototype ...

Showing results 41-60

Prop Design information

See Virginia salary details

$17

$50

$72

How much do prop design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for prop design in Virginia is $50.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.85 and $61.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is prop design?

Prop design is the process of creating and developing objects that actors interact with on stage, in film, or on television. These objects, known as props, can range from everyday items like books and cups to fantastical creations for imaginative worlds. Prop designers work closely with directors, set designers, and other production staff to ensure props meet the story's needs, are safe for use, and fit the visual style of the production. Their work may involve sketching, building, painting, and sometimes sourcing items. Effective prop design helps bring authenticity and depth to a production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prop designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prop Designer, you need strong artistic ability, spatial awareness, and a solid understanding of design principles, often supported by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Familiarity with digital design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, or CAD), model-making tools, and sometimes 3D printing technologies is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are vital soft skills for bringing concepts to life and working within larger creative teams. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling, functional props that enhance storytelling and meet production needs.

What are some common challenges faced by prop designers when collaborating with directors and other creative departments?

Prop designers often collaborate closely with directors, set designers, and costume teams to ensure that props align with the overall vision of a production. A common challenge is balancing creative ideas with practical constraints like budget, materials availability, and time. Effective communication is essential, as last-minute script changes or design adjustments may require rapid problem-solving and flexibility. Building strong relationships with other departments helps streamline the process and ensures that props enhance the storytelling while meeting safety and functional requirements.

What is the difference between Prop Design vs Set Design?

AspectProp DesignSet Design
Primary FocusCreating and sourcing individual props used on setDesigning entire physical environments and backgrounds
Required SkillsProp sourcing, craftsmanship, attention to detailSet construction, spatial planning, scenic design
Work EnvironmentWorkshops, on-location, studioStudio, on-location, construction sites
Industry UsageFilm, TV, theater, commercialsFilm, TV, theater, events

Prop Design focuses on creating and sourcing individual objects that enhance storytelling, while Set Design involves designing entire environments. Both roles collaborate closely but serve different aspects of production design.

How do you become a prop designer?

To become a prop designer, develop skills in art, sculpture, and design, often through a degree in fine arts, design, or a related field. Gaining experience with tools like CAD software and building a strong portfolio are essential, along with understanding the production process and collaborating with set designers and directors.

What are popular job titles related to Prop Design jobs in Virginia?

For Prop Design jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Prop Design jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Prop Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Prop Design job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,531 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

ENGINEER ELECTROMECHANICAL 4

Newport News, VA • On-site

Huntington Ingalls Industries
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$124K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 148 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Req ID: 47557
Team: E50 PROP AND REAC ENG PLNG YRD
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: 1st
Relocation: Relocation assistance will be available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirements: Yes, 10%-25% of the time
Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
Salary Range: $124,000.00 to $153,000.00
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range
Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding
With more than 25,000 employees - including third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation shipbuilders - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We're the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse and innovative team of professionals ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.
The Role
This requisition is for a position within the one of the Propulsion and Reactor Engineering Planning Yard's (PREPY) electromechanical component groups with opportunities to support the development of new aircraft carriers, modernization of the existing aircraft carrier fleet, design of a new battleship class, and standard valve designs used throughout the Navy. The PREPY is a single multidiscipline, cross-platform design agency, which is responsible for the design, development, and lifetime support of the propulsion plants (including reactor plant) of all Navy aircraft carriers (NIMITZ and FORD Class) and nuclear battleships (BBGN Class), as well as the standard valves used across all Navy ships.
This senior level engineer will be responsible for component designs.
Applies electrical, electronic and mechanical principles to components and systems, including assembly, analysis, and documentation of results; construction of developmental assemblies, sub-assemblies and components; and quality testing. Supports and participates in the design, test, modification, fabrication and assembly of prototype electromechanical systems.
Must Have
Bachelor's Degree and 9 years of relevant exempt experience;
Master's Degree and 7 years of relevant professional experience;
Ph.D. and 4 years of experience.
Newport News Shipbuilding requires a Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
Nice to Have
Preferred qualifications include:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience with end-user support and troubleshooting
  • Experience working with suppliers on product development and improvement
  • Conceptual design knowledge of one or more of the following propulsion plant components: turbine generators, diesel generators, generator control systems, propulsion turbines, reduction gears, AC plants, biofouling control systems, heat exchangers, pumps, and motor and valve controllers
  • Demonstrate basic engineering project management skills (e.g., planning, organizing, monitoring, reporting, and leading meetings and briefings)
  • Experience leading a technical project team of junior engineers
  • Ability to apply engineering and critical thinking principles to develop technical solutions for complex problems while maintaining the design integrity of plant machinery
  • Desire to teach and mentor junior engineers by developing formal and informal training in an individual, classroom, and hands-on setting
  • Engineers from all ABET-accredited disciplines are encouraged to apply

Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. HII's diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education and planning tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work location.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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